Cardiff City's Gerrard Slams Own Form

Cardiff City's committed defender Anthony Gerrard is looking to build on a promising first season in the Championship and surpassing his solid and strong displays at the heart of the Bluebirds defence last season.

However, former Walsall man Gerrard has revealed he has not been happy with his own form thus far in the pre-season preparations and is looking to turn that around - starting against Deportivo.

Gerrard told the Western Mail:

"I`m not happy about it, but I`m working hard on it. I haven`t done myself justice. It`s up to me to make sure I am on the team sheet when it comes to the first Championship match."

"I have to step it up, starting against Deportivo. I did OK in my first season of Championship football - and I`m looking to do even better in 2010-11."

"You have to set high standards and do everything possible to reach them."

Gerrard was a major positive for the Bluebirds last term and forged partnerships with two experienced Championship defenders in Mark Hudson and Gabor Gyepes. However, it was a flourishing alliance with youngster Darcy Blake that saw both players (new to this level) produce the best performances of their CCFC careers to date.

Selected on form, Gerrard would be the fans choice to start when the season kicks off for real. However, Dave Jones remains ever loyal to his 'main' players and Mark Hudson continues in his role as Captain despite a disappointing campaign last year. Gyepes looks unlikely to challenge for a starting berth, while Darcy Blake may be selected to operate at full-back, or in midfield.

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